How do I use Windows (Active Directory) authentication in Quality Window?

Quality Window supports Windows authentication, allowing users to log in using their existing Windows or Active Directory credentials instead of maintaining separate passwords.

How it works

Quality Window provides two authentication methods:

• Quality Window authentication (usernames/passwords managed inside Quality Window)
• Windows authentication (credentials managed by Windows or Active Directory)

When using Windows authentication, user credentials are validated against the operating system or domain, while permissions are still managed within Quality Window.

Step 1: Enable Windows authentication

1. Open Quality Window Admin
2. Go to the Security Administrator console
3. Select Tools → Options
4. Enable “Windows Authentication by default”
5. Click OK

This setting ensures login prompts use Windows credentials.

Step 2: Create users in Quality Window

Even when using Windows authentication, users must still be created in Quality Window to assign permissions.

• Add a new user in the Security Administrator
• Set the User Name to match the user’s Windows login (exact match required)
• If using a domain, configure the Logon Domain if needed

This ensures Quality Window can map Windows users to the correct permissions.

Step 3: Configure user permissions

Once users are created:

• Assign access to QW Admin, applications, and tools as needed
• Configure permissions such as Add, Edit, Delete, and View access
• Optionally require credential prompts for specific actions (authentication rules)

Quality Window separates authentication (who you are) from permissions (what you can do), allowing flexible security configurations.

Important notes

• Passwords are managed in Windows or Active Directory, not in Quality Window
• Quality Window still requires user records for permission control
• Microsoft online accounts (e.g., Hotmail, Live) are not supported
• Advanced authentication methods like MFA or 2FA are not currently supported

Troubleshooting

If a user can log in on one device but not another:

• Verify shared configuration is properly set up across all workstations
• Ensure the security database is consistent between devices

If issues persist, contact Busitech support with details about your setup and environment.

Related Resources:

• Security in Quality Window
• Implementing Security in Quality Window
• Managing Security Tutorial
• QW6 Admin password recovery procedure
• Meeting the 21 CFR part 11 requirements with Quality Window
• Other Security Articles